Causeway did not present themselves for the customary pre-match photo but they did provide the spectators with a photo finish.

In a game that will be remembered for missed chances on both sides, Causeway and St Brendan’s could not be separated even after an extra 20 minutes of hurling.

It was nip and tuck for the first half with the halftime score reading Causeway 1-5 St Brendan’s 1-6, four players from both sides scored for their sides John Egan had two points for St Brendan’s Eric Leen and Daithi Griffin had a point each, but the stand out man of the first half was Cian Hussey with one goal and two points to his name.

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Colum Harty had three points for Causeway, Brandon Barrett, Anthony Fealy and Stephen Murphy had points.

Keith Carmody had a goal within two minutes of the restart after a great catch by Colum Harty that was followed immediately by a goal from the outstanding Cian Hussey. 2-5 to 2-6 now.

Nine minutes into the second half, St Brendan’s were ahead by three following points from Hussey, Egan and Kevin Skinner, St Brendan’s heading for the finishing line.

Then Causeway were handed a lifeline in the form of a penalty. I thought Paul McGrath would be the taker, but the responsibility was handed to Colum Harty and after a long delay he stepped up and struck it wide.

Tom Moloney attempts to shake off Thomas Casey. Photo by Dermot Crean

From the puck out, Cian Hussey eased over a point to make the score Causeway 2-9 St Brendan’s 2-12.

To further compound Causeway’s troubles, they had a man sent off. They were let off the hook when John Egan missed the resultant free.

There they were, a man down three points down and then the Kerry Camogie manager Stephen Goggin pulls on a ball to the net to level matters.

In extra time it was tit for tat with both sides returned to fifteen a side.

Goggin struck over two points, McGrath added two Jason Leahy and Keith Carmody added one each. On the other side, Egan had two along with Cian Hussey, Daithi Griffin and young Padraigh O’Mahony had one each.

Jason Leahy tries to block David Griffin. Photo by Dermot Crean

Paul McGrath had a free to put Causeway into the next round but missed.

St Brendan’s will surely ask what they need to do to keep a lead in championship games after surrendering a five point lead to Kilmoyley last year.

The performance of Cian Hussey was a joy to behold for St Brendan’s but the shift put in by Seamus Skinner was also noteworthy. Rory Horgan was reliable at the back, Kevin Hannafin and Darren Dineen impressed, John Egan was his usual imperious self.

Causeway were well served by Brian Murphy, Jason Diggins and Thomas Casey at the back. Up front Colum Harty ran hard, Brandon Barrett showed well especially early in the game and Anthony Fealy popped up with points. Stephen Goggin was impressive on his introduction.

Will Causeway derive confidence from this battling performance? There are more questions than answers after this game for both sides. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PHOTOS